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Alumni Automated Manufacturing & Machining Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies

WACC alum’s emotional return ‘best day’ ever

Accompanied by Kimberly R. Cassel, director of alumni relations, Lee I. Miller, ’67, shows off the WACC parking pass he paid a few cents for in the mid-1960s, along with his class ring.

A 1967 Williamsport Area Community College graduate’s longtime dream came true recently when he toured the college’s Machining Technologies Center and Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center.

Lee Miller came to Williamsport Technical Institute as a student in Fall 1965, fresh out of high school. He said that, seven weeks after his arrival, the institute became Williamsport Area Community College. (In 1989, it transformed into Pennsylvania College of Technology.)

He graduated with a machinist general certificate. While a student, Miller roomed at 955 W. Fourth St., where he paid $60 a month.

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Events Faculty & Staff Students

Making spirits bright

Snowman luminaria fashioned from glass jars add a festive touch.
Snowman luminaria fashioned from glass jars add a festive touch.
President Davie Jane Gilmour (who was joined at the brief ATHS proceedings by Patrick C. Ferguson, president of the Student Government Association) announces the fans' favorite creations.
President Davie Jane Gilmour (who was joined at the brief ATHS proceedings by Patrick C. Ferguson, president of the Student Government Association) announces the fans’ favorite creations.
With piping bags full of icing, Wildcat Events Board students eagerly staff the cookie-decorating table. From left are David Eaton, of Harrisburg; Shaqira S. Drummond, of Williamsport; Madison N. Bower, of Muncy; and McKenna N. Myers, of Northumberland.
With piping bags full of icing, Wildcat Events Board students eagerly staff the cookie-decorating table. From left are David Eaton, of Harrisburg; Shaqira S. Drummond, of Williamsport; Madison N. Bower, of Muncy; and McKenna N. Myers, of Northumberland.
The campus family's inventiveness shines through the brisk pre-winter night.
The campus family’s inventiveness shines through the brisk pre-winter night.
With diets moot until the new year, cake pops and cookies tempt attendees.
With diets moot until the new year, cake pops and cookies tempt attendees.

The holiday cards displayed along the Penn College mall were lighted Wednesday evening in a seasonal ceremony that included the announcement of winning entries, as well as a cookies-and-crafts attraction inside the Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center. Women in Construction finished first among student organizations in the card competition, enriching its club account by $200. The Occupational Therapy Assistant Club was second ($150) and Cru, third ($100). Among campus offices and departments, first prize went to the Veterans and Military Resource Center, participants from which will be treated to lunch at Le Jeune Chef. Madigan Library claimed second place and Dining Services finished third; representatives from each of those winning groups will enjoy breakfast at the restaurant. Winners were chosen through online voting by 612 employees and students.
Photos by Juvy A. Orillaza, student photographer

Events

Medal of Honor recipient to offer ‘Lessons in Leadership’

Edward C. Byers Jr.
Edward C. Byers Jr.

One of only 71 living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor will be among the featured speakers for a Lessons in Leadership event from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 19, in Penn College’s Klump Academic Center Auditorium.  Retired Master Chief Edward C. Byers Jr., U.S. Navy Seal, was honored for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” as a Hostage Rescue Force Team member in Afghanistan in December 2012.

Greg Welteroth
Greg Welteroth
Karl Horst
Karl Horst

He will be joined on the program by retired Army Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation; and Greg Welteroth, founder of Welteroth Enterprises, whose civilian support of the foundation resulted in his induction into its Circle of Honor earlier this year. The nonprofit, in the midst of a $20 million capital campaign that coincides with its 20th anniversary, is partnering with Ameristrong in sponsoring the event.

While admission is free to the public, reservations are required by Dec. 16.

Faculty & Staff

Caring co-workers give of themselves

Stephanie A. Campbell, acquisitions and outreach specialist at Madigan Library, scrubs a staircase.
Stephanie A. Campbell, acquisitions and outreach specialist at Madigan Library, scrubs a staircase.
General Services' Josh J. Wrench (in green shirt), associate director of project management, and Jamie L. Plocinski (standing), facilities service assistant, make friends at mealtime.
General Services’ Josh J. Wrench (in green shirt), associate director of project management, and Jamie L. Plocinski (standing), facilities service assistant, make friends at mealtime.
Benevolence times 12, on behalf of the greater college community
Benevolence times 12, on behalf of the greater college community
Wearing her "Penn College Pride," Brigette M. Cleary, secretary to the dean of business and hospitality, talks with a diner.
Wearing her “Penn College Pride,” Brigette M. Cleary, secretary to the dean of business and hospitality, talks with a diner.
Nourishing plates are brought to the table by Timothy O. Rissell, executive director of General Services – honoring the "service" portion of his job title.
Nourishing plates are brought to the table by Timothy O. Rissell, executive director of General Services – honoring the “service” portion of his job title.

As part of a Giving Tuesday collaboration with Lycoming County United Way, a dozen Penn College employees spent part of the afternoon cleaning Sojourner Truth Ministries and serving hot meals to those in need. LCUW organized several projects throughout the community in conjunction with the national observance, a time for charitable contributions on the heels of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Supplementing the volunteer outreach, the college’s Human Resources Office collected gloves, socks and personal care items for donation to the 501 High St. facility.
Photos provided by Mattie L. Pulizzi, human resources specialist: development and compliance

Events Landscape/Horticulture Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Popular poinsettia sale begins at ESC greenhouse

Poinsettias add splash of seasonal color at ESC.
Poinsettias add splash of seasonal color at ESC.
Variegated plants are among the greenhouse inventory.
Variegated plants are among the greenhouse inventory.

The annual poinsettia sale at Penn College’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center greenhouse begins Wednesday and runs until inventory is sold. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays (closed Saturday and Sunday), and all sales are on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no early sales or holds, and everything is “cash (or check) and carry.” (The ESC is at 203 Allenwood Camp Lane,  Montgomery – about 10 miles south of main campus, just off Route 15.)
Photos by Marci M. Hessert, secretary to the School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies

Events Students

Fun competition turns ‘ugly’ at holiday time

An appropriately outfitted Bottorf (far left) explains ground rules to (from left) Bret A. Yetter, a surveying technology student from Mount Pleasant Mills; Evan J. Spickard, of Danville, enrolled in information technology: network specialist concentration; and Daniel J. Kahle, a construction management major from Oil City.
An appropriately outfitted Bottorf (far left) explains ground rules to (from left) Bret A. Yetter, a surveying technology student from Mount Pleasant Mills; Evan J. Spickard, of Danville, enrolled in information technology: network specialist concentration; and Daniel J. Kahle, a construction management major from Oil City.
Human services major Sierra M. Kunig, of Pennsylvania Furnace, prepares for launch ...
Human services major Sierra M. Kunig, of Pennsylvania Furnace, prepares for launch …
... arcing her ball toward one of the trash-can "cups" in play.
… arcing her ball toward one of the trash-can “cups” in play.
With all eyes on the follow-through, Spickard sends a volleyball toward its 44-gallon target.
With all eyes on the follow-through, Spickard sends a volleyball toward its 44-gallon target.

Students enjoyed a life-size pong game in the Field House this past week, trading pingpong balls and plastic cups for volleyballs and lined trash cans. In the double-elimination tournament, according to Jeremy R. Bottorf, coordinator of campus recreation, players had five minutes to clear all of the large “cups” (or the largest number of them) in the quest for prizes. Tie scores resulted in sudden death, with the player who eliminated the first “cup” moving on. In addition to intramural attire for the winners, everyone received a promotional basketball hoop and ball for participating. Competitors were invited to wear “ugly holiday sweaters,” Bottorf said, although the timing of this year’s event – falling before instead of after Thanksgiving – meant that students didn’t have the opportunity to grab their favorite yuletide eyesores from home. Bottorf proved a good sport, however, choosing an apt example from his own collection!
Photos by Tim Wegman, student photographer

General Information

Friends, feathered and faithful, deliver picturesque storytime

Warner shares the sandhill cranes' story with CLC youngsters in Madigan Library.
Warner shares the sandhill cranes’ story with CLC youngsters in Madigan Library.
The book's cover colorfully hints at the treasures within ...
The book’s cover colorfully hints at the treasures within …
... vibrant photos, courtesy of a campus benefactor.
… vibrant photos, courtesy of a campus benefactor.
Young bookworms, caught in the cranes' narrative spell
Young bookworms, caught in the cranes’ narrative spell
A man of his word(s)
A man of his word(s)

An extra-special children’s book has “flown in” from Florida and landed in the laps of youngsters at the Dunham Children’s Learning Center.

“Waiting For Charlie: A Sandhill Crane Story,” featuring photography by the center’s eponym, Robert E. “Bob” Dunham, was introduced to children in a reading at the Madigan Library on Monday.

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Alumni Automated Manufacturing & Machining Corporate Relations Engineering Design Technology Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies Students

Student competition seeks design concepts for renamed campus facility

Larry A. Ward

Courtesy of a generous donation from Larry A. Ward, an engineering drafting technology alumnus, the Machining Technologies Lab will receive all new equipment, paint, lighting and fixtures. Ward’s leadership gift will be permanently recognized, with the Machining Technologies Center being renamed in his honor.

This gift is also sparking a Tomorrow Makers contest, in which Pennsylvania College of Technology students are encouraged to help in designing a fitting sign/sculpture/artwork that includes the name “Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center” and tells the story of what takes place within the building.  Students may work individually or in teams of up to five.

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Faculty & Staff Nursing & Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Assistant Students

Pulling together, on a woodland trail

On a team-building mission, the group moves along the historic watershed trails.
On a team-building mission, the group moves along the historic watershed trails.
Stopping amid landmarks of the past are front row (from left): Veronica J. Rayer, of Woodlyn, and Tatiana M. Hinaman, of Jersey Shore. Back row (from left): Caitlin C. Brubaker, of Ohiopyle; Madison L. Gift, of Waynesboro; Kerschner; Karen I. Palko, of Northumberland; Kierstan M. Heizman, of Lititz; Juvy A. Orillaza, of Carlisle; and Cooley.
Stopping amid landmarks of the past are front row (from left): Veronica J. Rayer, of Woodlyn, and Tatiana M. Hinaman, of Jersey Shore. Back row (from left): Caitlin C. Brubaker, of Ohiopyle; Madison L. Gift, of Waynesboro; Kerschner; Karen I. Palko, of Northumberland; Kierstan M. Heizman, of Lititz; Juvy A. Orillaza, of Carlisle; and Cooley.

Volunteer outreach by faculty member D. Robert Cooley – a five-part trial orientation to strengthen bonds between Penn College classmates and cohesiveness within academic programs – met with rave reviews by the student participants who requested the activity. Cooley, associate professor of anthropology/environmental science, recently accompanied nine occupational therapy assistant students and director Jeanne M. Kerschner on a nature hike through the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority grounds. “The students recognized the value of these events and even requested that we continue these team-building sessions next semester,” Kerschner said of the group, which was undeterred by rain.
Photos provided

Faculty & Staff Nursing Nursing & Health Sciences

Nursing faculty member receives Nightingale Award Scholarship

Christine B. Kavanagh

A member of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s nursing faculty received this year’s doctoral scholarship from the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania.

Christine B. Kavanagh, assistant professor of nursing, is pursuing a doctor of nursing practice from Robert Morris University. She was selected based on professional leadership, academic achievement, leadership potential, community service and personal commitment.

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Students

Leadership opportunities sprout from RA’s fertile mind

Self-identifying with specific words and personality traits, students move among work stations to dish the dirt about leadership posts.
Self-identifying with specific words and personality traits, students move among work stations to dish the dirt about leadership posts.

Resident Assistant Joey M. Morrin organized a “Weed ‘Em Out” event this past week at Dauphin Hall, aimed at convincing underclassmen in first-year housing to apply for student leadership positions on campus.

“The idea of the program was simple,” explained Morrin, who designed and planned the activity as part of his monthly RA program requirements. “A table full of succulents was labeled with words* describing the qualities of various leadership positions on campus. Interested participants could pick one of these plants based on a word they thought best described them.”

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General Information

Who will lead the workforce of tomorrow? 2018-19 Impact Report

Read the 2018-19 Impact Report www.pct.edu/impactreport
Read the 2018-19 Impact Report www.pct.edu/impactreport

In 2018, a record number of employers indicated that finding qualified employees is the single most important issue affecting their companies. Addressing skills gaps is in Penn College’s DNA. “The workforce needs Penn College,” says President Davie Jane Gilmour. “And we deliver.” Learn how Penn College and its partners are preparing tomorrow’s workforce leaders – and fostering economic growth and innovation – in the 2018-19 Impact Report.

Dining Services Faculty & Staff Students

Student Development Assistants encourage peers to ‘give thanks’

Joining the Penn College Wildcat in urging their peers to "Give Thanks, Paw It Forward" are (from left) Student Development Assistants Wesley S. McCray, an engineering design technology major from Corry; Mary C. Watts, of Quakertown, information assurance and cyber security; Jordyn M. Kahler, of York, dental hygiene, Jonathan R. Hendrickson, of Cowansville, software development and information management; Miles K. Lampkin, of Horsham, software development and information management; Andy P. Luzeckyj, of Southampton, automotive technology management; and Malcolm K. Lampkin, of Horsham, and in the same major as his twin brother.

Student Development Assistants from the office of Institutional Advancement engaged the campus community in various “give thanks” initiatives throughout the month of November. 

They teamed up with Dining Services encouraging peers to “paw” it forward at various campus eateries by donating their flex or declining meal-plan dollars, all in support of The Cupboard and the battle against hunger.

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